Ben Herrmann

Lives in
Wake County, NC, United States

Works as aUS Marine Corps (Retired) and now fully retired

Joined onJul 11, 2002

About me:

FULL NAME: Bernd Werner Herrmann.

BIRTHPLACE: Moosburg, Bavaria (Germany)

CURRENT HOME: We emigrated to the United States in the early 1950's and settled in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. My father was a WW II German Army (Wehrmacht) Officer and he elected for us to emigrate to the United States following the war. We subsequently became naturalized proud American citizens.

I'd love if this occurred. I still vividly recall my first 35 MM camera - the venerable Yashica Electro 35, which was way ahead of its time. I first used it while serving in Vietnam as a young Marine back in '68. Mannnn, if Yashica could produce a near clone of this body style with digital of course, I'd be all in...and quickly so. Of course, I'm a camera slut, so I'm usually all in anyway with most things - sigh.

Since the very first day I added the Fuji X system to my vast collection of goodies (with the purchase of the X-E1 five years ago or so), I was impressed with the format. Then I eventually got the X-E2 and with the subsequent FW updates released for that model (thanks Fuji), it basically brought it on line with the later X-E2s. I just really love the IQ from these models.

Glad to see that Fuji is continuing this line of X-E- series of cameras. This X-E3 model looks awesome and now I'm pondering which older gear to try and sell in order to afford this one.

Also love the fact that so far, Fuji is pushing ahead to flush out all of their older 16 MP models with the 24 MP versions (are you listening Olympus and Panny - get rid of those older 16 MP models and move on to the 20 MP sensors - IMO of course).

So I'll be on board to acquire this new X-E3 in the near future. Great job Fuji!

No need for us (well, for most of us, that is) to upgrade from our Mk II versions. But this camera will sell - in particular, to those inclined to go with M43. It's a given that periodically all manufacturers update current models just to refresh the lines, even though there's not much to add. It's the "newness" that attracts buyers.

IMO, the reviewer was correct that the 16 MP sensors are getting long in the tooth. Had this Mk III gone with a 20 MP sensor - albeit making it a bit more expensive - I'm guessing lots more Mk I and Mk II users would make the move to upgrade.

Will be interesting to see if Olympus updates the E-M5 series to a Mk III version. Now that would be something to wait for. But please - at least IMO - no more 16 MP sensors. Dat's my view and I'm stickin' wid it!!!!!

Gesture: Doesn't anyone make a 4/3rds or APS-C camera that handles more like a smart phone?

Yo dansclic....

Just curious - have you ever used any Canon M series cameras? In particular, the M10 (of which I was referring to)?

If you hadn't, then your comments are only personal opinions based on what you may have heard and read. On the other hand, if you used any of the M models...then it's subjective. We all have our opinions about our gear. However, I tend to comment only on gear I've actually owned and used. To that end, I can say that the M10 is a joy to use - and I'm speaking about my experiences with that camera.

Ben Herrmann: Soooo many new cameras (which is always the case, isn't it...)! It's really come to the point (for awhile now) that most cameras by all brands are capable of superb imagery, and what divides them among users are the types of features and small improvements they may bring. And the arguments will go on as to what and who is best - sigh... And for those of us who shoot with a variety of systems, we can appreciate what each brings to the table.

Having said that, as an E-M10 Mk II user, there is nothing in this model (which looks exactly the same) which would cause many of us (IMO) who own the II to upgrade. There will be some though that must have the latest and greatest. Now is the time to look for the E-M10 Mk II version as the prices come down on that model. It will still be a very relevant camera.

Soooo many new cameras (which is always the case, isn't it...)! It's really come to the point (for awhile now) that most cameras by all brands are capable of superb imagery, and what divides them among users are the types of features and small improvements they may bring. And the arguments will go on as to what and who is best - sigh... And for those of us who shoot with a variety of systems, we can appreciate what each brings to the table.

Having said that, as an E-M10 Mk II user, there is nothing in this model (which looks exactly the same) which would cause many of us (IMO) who own the II to upgrade. There will be some though that must have the latest and greatest. Now is the time to look for the E-M10 Mk II version as the prices come down on that model. It will still be a very relevant camera.

Bravo Canon! I've used the previous M10 and what a wonderful little camera that turned out to be. It's IQ turned out to be much better than I had originally envisioned and it was a joy to use.

I'm drawn to the "gray" version of this new M100, but apparently that will only be available overseas, so I may have to pick up one off of eBay in the future (overseas vendor). Keep in mind that this is an entry level camera - but one whose options will leave many a user with a smile on their faces. there will be new (coming from a cell phone) users, along with those more advanced types who periodically just want to grab a simple (yet advanced in some ways) cameras to lug along quick trips or what have you.

I can see by the comments - that there are those in the anti-Canon camp and those who use Canon (what else is new?). As a multi brand system user, I think this small M100 will do quite well, despite some of the naysayers.

Good show! Now if Yongnuo can see fit to also begin producing various models for the likes of M43 and Fuji X, that would be even more awesome. Companies like Nissin, Godox, and Meike have seen the light and are now actively producing a variety of their models for both labels now and they are selling. C'monnnnn Yongnuo, you can do it!

This is a nice article hi-lighting an area that many users tend to overlook. I know a guy who spent well over 15K on various higher end gear - yet is afraid to tackle the external flash arena. And some folks will just tack on an ext flash and use it in a conventional (flash head forward) manner - resulting in either burned out areas or underexposures. So kudo's to fill-flash here.

As an aside, "finally," more 3rd party flash manufacturers are producing units for the Fuji line of cameras (which previously were ignored). Nissin, Meike, & Godox, in particular, are now producing a variety of units for Fuji cameras and I'm personally stoked about that. I just bought a new Meike TTL MK420F for Fuji that uses a hi-powered Li-ion battery. So far have gotten well over 600 flashes on 1 charge (and less than 1 sec recycle time), and it's still going strong.

So jump in the flash arena & when you get your external flash methods down pat, you will revel in the superb results you can net.

Ben Herrmann: Although certainly not a beginner by any stretch of the imagination, I still intend on eventually getting an SL2 down the road. An acquaintance got one (ordered it from Japan via eBay). He's no beginner either and the IQ he's getting from the SL2 is stunning. He talks about how comfortable it is to shoot with this camera and he finds himself reaching for it more often than not.

I'm personally not impressed with the images shown on this user's review, but then many times the random images shot here can be....well, "different." Some can be so unusual at times that one can wonder when they'll start shooting turds laying on a road next - sigh....

Seeing what this SL2 is capable of (the guy referenced above uses the 18-135 on his) in the right hands, I think Canon have a hit on their hands with this one. It's funny in that although many of us shoot with advanced cameras, some of the best IQ I've seen, IMO, were captured with more entry-level camera models. Now go figure...

Heck, I completely forgot about his post - no big deal...

You see folks like this all of the time - many being narcissistic with a mindset that it's their way or the highway. And typically, they must have the last word - it's hilarious really, just watch what occurs here.

And oftentimes, when you go to their profiles, everything is usually kept confidential. After all, it's easier to sit behind a keyboard and spew forth the negativity that periodically occurs on these forums. So I could care less what the big "D" thinks - he has a right to his opinions. If you face a guy like that in person, I'm betting that negativity would either be hidden or not there at all. Oh, the anonymity of the internet - ya gotta love it.

Ben Herrmann: Although certainly not a beginner by any stretch of the imagination, I still intend on eventually getting an SL2 down the road. An acquaintance got one (ordered it from Japan via eBay). He's no beginner either and the IQ he's getting from the SL2 is stunning. He talks about how comfortable it is to shoot with this camera and he finds himself reaching for it more often than not.

I'm personally not impressed with the images shown on this user's review, but then many times the random images shot here can be....well, "different." Some can be so unusual at times that one can wonder when they'll start shooting turds laying on a road next - sigh....

Seeing what this SL2 is capable of (the guy referenced above uses the 18-135 on his) in the right hands, I think Canon have a hit on their hands with this one. It's funny in that although many of us shoot with advanced cameras, some of the best IQ I've seen, IMO, were captured with more entry-level camera models. Now go figure...

Did you even read my comments at all? Obviously not...

I too didn't find anything stunning about these images posted on this user's review at all. My comments were about a guy I know that ordered an SL2 off of eBay from Japan - who then wound up capturing images that were superb (he shoots in RAW mode and he's no amateur). I then went on to say that images taken for these reviews are often strange and nothing laudatory at all.

Additionally - as an aside - how is that two folks can look at an image and come out with diverging viewpoints? It's called an "opinion" and no two will agree - but to condescendingly disparage one's remarks because somehow they don't agree with yours....well, that's an entirely different story.

Although certainly not a beginner by any stretch of the imagination, I still intend on eventually getting an SL2 down the road. An acquaintance got one (ordered it from Japan via eBay). He's no beginner either and the IQ he's getting from the SL2 is stunning. He talks about how comfortable it is to shoot with this camera and he finds himself reaching for it more often than not.

I'm personally not impressed with the images shown on this user's review, but then many times the random images shot here can be....well, "different." Some can be so unusual at times that one can wonder when they'll start shooting turds laying on a road next - sigh....

Seeing what this SL2 is capable of (the guy referenced above uses the 18-135 on his) in the right hands, I think Canon have a hit on their hands with this one. It's funny in that although many of us shoot with advanced cameras, some of the best IQ I've seen, IMO, were captured with more entry-level camera models. Now go figure...

Ben Herrmann: Y'know, I've long since accepted the fact that when you take away all of the super features that you pay for in more advanced (and expensive) DSLR's - when you get right down to it - the IQ coming from these more modest "entry-level" (I really hate using that term) can stand up to the best of 'em.

Some of the nicest images (read for "clarity" and "color balance" here) have come from so called entry level cameras. I realize our opinions on cameras and what we're looking for are all subjective, but for me, "it's the IQ stupid."

My only foray into Canon products at the moment are 4 cameras from their M series, which I thoroughly enjoy (but they sadly, need "MORE" EF-M lenses to make the system a growing and increasingly competitive one). But this new SL2 (regardless of how it is viewed - i.e. "entry level," "beginner," or what have you) has me very interested. I may pull the trigger on one in the next several weeks.

I was going to stay out of this back and forth (tit for tat), but then observed at how ridiculous this scenario had become, so I had just had to opine.

To HowaboutRAW - this "political correctness" with regards to having to use absolutely correct camera/lens references is beyond ridiculous. How I wish I could meet you in person, just so I could channel discussion items which would both insult and sour your sensibilities - that would certainly would make my day! You strike me as someone who has been confined to the academic community for a lifetime.

I will hammer home what I originally had said - with an increased inflection.

"...Now if Canon could only produce more MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM lenses, for their M series of cameras, then they could be "M" (as it mainly) competitive."

Remember, that in life, you have the absolute right to be "offended."

You made my day sweet-pea! It's obvious that what you need is some type of military boot camp - and I can arrange for that. Send me a PM.

Ben Herrmann: Y'know, I've long since accepted the fact that when you take away all of the super features that you pay for in more advanced (and expensive) DSLR's - when you get right down to it - the IQ coming from these more modest "entry-level" (I really hate using that term) can stand up to the best of 'em.

Some of the nicest images (read for "clarity" and "color balance" here) have come from so called entry level cameras. I realize our opinions on cameras and what we're looking for are all subjective, but for me, "it's the IQ stupid."

My only foray into Canon products at the moment are 4 cameras from their M series, which I thoroughly enjoy (but they sadly, need "MORE" EF-M lenses to make the system a growing and increasingly competitive one). But this new SL2 (regardless of how it is viewed - i.e. "entry level," "beginner," or what have you) has me very interested. I may pull the trigger on one in the next several weeks.

To HOWABOUTRAW...

Are you competing to be an English grammar instructor? When I mentioned M lenses, most folks would know exactly what I was referring to. And yes, I shoot extensively with both Fuji X and M43 cameras. And I tend to shoot in RAW mode mostly with all of my cameras. But your comments don't take away from the fact that this SL2 will very well turn out to be an excellent camera.

Y'know, I've long since accepted the fact that when you take away all of the super features that you pay for in more advanced (and expensive) DSLR's - when you get right down to it - the IQ coming from these more modest "entry-level" (I really hate using that term) can stand up to the best of 'em.

Some of the nicest images (read for "clarity" and "color balance" here) have come from so called entry level cameras. I realize our opinions on cameras and what we're looking for are all subjective, but for me, "it's the IQ stupid."

My only foray into Canon products at the moment are 4 cameras from their M series, which I thoroughly enjoy (but they sadly, need "MORE" EF-M lenses to make the system a growing and increasingly competitive one). But this new SL2 (regardless of how it is viewed - i.e. "entry level," "beginner," or what have you) has me very interested. I may pull the trigger on one in the next several weeks.

photo perzon: Typical poor Pana skin tones in the jpegs. Get a Fuji X70 instead. Make people look healthy.

Now photo perzon....sigh. I know you mean well, but I don't think very many people purchase Panasonic cameras purely for skin tones - albeit the GH5 and one or two others have really made huge strides in this area. For instance, I use my Panny cameras mostly for event or scenic photography.

This review is about the lens and it is a stellar optic. And noooo, one can't put it on a fuji X70 (again, sigh) - as much as I love Fuji.